About three weeks ago, a group of about 200 to 500 Radical Muslims tried to make a declaration of independence, but when they were blocked by the police, they took 200 hostages and burned down the parts of  Zamboanga City that they took by force. Zamboanga has a population of one million people. Over 118,000 of the residents are now refugees as their homes were burned down as they became part of the war zone.

Philippine Army Forces fighting Muslim rebels in Zamboanga City.

After 20 days of civil war, 183 rebel combatants died, 18 government troops were killed and 12 civilians tragically died. Also, minor skirmishes with Muslim rebels have broken out in Cotobato.

Not to be forgotten, the communist rebels (NPA) attacked a military unit in Northern Mindanao in Balingasag killing five soldiers. I have been to Balingasag in the past when I used to travel the island by bus preaching the Gospel. Mindanao is in tumultuous disorder and we need prayer to bring peace right now.  Please pray for the evil rebels to be stopped and for the safety of Christian Believers on this island.

Just to make things clear, we live in Davao City (400 miles from the conflict) which has its own military detachment with strong leadership. We feel safe here and it would be nearly impossible for a rebel attack to have any success in this city. Nonetheless, we covet your prayers and we thank you for your support.

There are 118,000 refugees from the civil war in Zamboanga City.